Bourne End couple having to clean-up after 'inconsiderate dog owners'

A LADY who claims to be the ‘dog poo fairy of Bourne End’ has collected seven dustbin bags of excrement from a pathway next to the River Thames in just 10 days.

Over the last few months Cindy Smulders and her husband, Dominic, have been cleaning up after “inconsiderate” dog owners near their house in Camden Place.

The problem has got so bad the couple have even bought a bin for owners to use on the Thames Pathway and they have now been forced to taking bags to the dump every couple of weeks.

Mrs Smulders said: “We decided something needed to be done about this just after the flooding.

“Part of the pathway was underwater but when it all drained away, 152 small bags were left on the ground.

“We collected them up and left a message saying to look at what people had done.

“After that it wasn’t too bad but since the weather has been getting nicer again people have just been leaving it all over the place, including hanging on hedges waiting for some sort of fairy to come and collect them – like me.

“We bought a bin but as this area is so populated with so many walkers it has just been getting too much.

“As we can’t get it to be collected it is down to me and my husband to get rid of it all. Two weeks ago I collected 10 days worth which amounted to seven full dustbin bags.”

They are now hoping to be supported in their bid to stop people leaving bags behind.

They have spoken to both the council and the environment agency who have told the couple they will explore the options.

Mrs Smulders added: “I just can’t understand why people don’t take it home with them and get rid of it themselves.

“We are just trying to do our bit to keep this area nice, but it is becoming too much of a difficult job.”

What a joke, those posh dog owners are to good to pick their own dogs mess up, you don't get that amount off "mess" In Micklefield park. Dirty buggers. I feel for the poor people clearing up bags of local dogs mess.

What a joke, those posh dog owners are to good to pick their own dogs mess up, you don't get that amount off "mess" In Micklefield park. Dirty buggers. I feel for the poor people clearing up bags of local dogs mess.buftonp13

It`s irresponsible cretins like this that get the rest of us that clean up a bad name, no way should this lady have to clean up after these mindless morons, wish there was a way to find them and prosecute them.

It`s irresponsible cretins like this that get the rest of us that clean up a bad name, no way should this lady have to clean up after these mindless morons, wish there was a way to find them and prosecute them.Robert.M

At least it's bagged, now! When we lived near there, it was naked dog poo a'plenty along what should have been an enjoyable walk, and was very smelly, as well as messy, to walk along. If folk are not prepared to clear up properly after their dogs, they shouldn't have them. Bring back the dog licence!!

At least it's bagged, now! When we lived near there, it was naked dog poo a'plenty along what should have been an enjoyable walk, and was very smelly, as well as messy, to walk along. If folk are not prepared to clear up properly after their dogs, they shouldn't have them. Bring back the dog licence!!CatherineAB

I agree entirely about Holmer Green. I'm a responsible dog owner who picks up after my dog, and when I walk him in Holmer Green I'm disgusted by the amount of muck on the pavement. I also cringe when I walk past people in case they think it's my dog that has left his mess everywhere. Regrettably, but understandably, we are all tarred with the same brush.

I agree entirely about Holmer Green. I'm a responsible dog owner who picks up after my dog, and when I walk him in Holmer Green I'm disgusted by the amount of muck on the pavement. I also cringe when I walk past people in case they think it's my dog that has left his mess everywhere. Regrettably, but understandably, we are all tarred with the same brush.jxr